Wanderlust Tours has also been enjoying a fantastic season of snowshoeing. I took my whole extended family on their Bonfire on the Snow tour over the holidays, and if I had a snowball for every time someone uttered the phrase “magical,” I’d win the neighborhood snowball fight.

Dig yourself a snow cave

The snow is officially deep enough in town to make yourself a pretty sweet snow cave or igloo. What kid hasn’t fantasized about this at some point?

Just be careful not to let kids play in snow berms near roadways, since plows are continually piling up the white stuff and may not see them.

Make a tasty dessert

Snow cone, Bend style!

Anyone who’s been to Hawaii knows the pleasure that is “shave ice.” Fluffy mounds of frozen goodness get covered in flavored syrup and served atop a scoop of ice cream. Here’s your chance to try it Bend-style!

Note: If it appears the snow has already been doused with lemon syrup, choose different snow. Also worth noting: giardia is no fun, so be careful about using only pristine, untouched snow.

Shovel some snow

Got a shovel and a strong back? Lend a hand if you spot a driveway or sidewalk that hasn’t been tended. Elderly and disabled homeowners are struggling right now, and it’ll make your heart feel good to help out.

It’s a timely effort not only because of the heavy snowfall, but because January 16 is celebrated as Day of Service. Go here for more ideas on getting involved and making a difference, or check out our Visit Like a Local page to get inspiration.

Chill your beer

This is nature’s cooler right here. And now there’s more room in the fridge for other things like…well, more Bend beer.

Nature’s beer cooler!

Just be cautious about what you’re leaving outside when temperatures dip much below freezing. There’s a bottle of soda on my back porch right now that looks like a science experiment gone bad.

Ice that aching knee

Got an old ski injury that flares up from time to time, or an owie that feels better when iced? The consistency of snow makes it a perfect, moldable ice pack when sealed in plastic baggies.

That might come in handy for your aching back if you get a little too hardcore with the aforementioned shoveling!